NGWA Cable Tool Drilling Certification
Exam (Exam A) Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. The primary purpose of cable tool drilling is to:
A. Rotate a bit continuously through formations
B. Drill by percussion using repeated lifting and dropping of tools
C. Use fluid pressure to erode formations
D. Melt rock using friction
Answer: B
Cable tool drilling relies on repeated impact from lifting and dropping
heavy tools to break formations.
2. The main component used to deliver impact in cable tool drilling is
the:
A. Rotary table
B. Drill pipe
C. Drill bit and drill stem
D. Mud motor
,Answer: C
The drill bit and drill stem provide the mass needed for effective
percussion.
3. The cable in cable tool drilling is primarily used to:
A. Circulate drilling fluid
B. Rotate the bit
C. Raise and drop the drilling tools
D. Seal the borehole
Answer: C
The cable supports and moves the tool string vertically.
4. A walking beam on a cable tool rig is used to:
A. Mix drilling fluid
B. Provide up-and-down motion to the tools
C. Support casing
D. Measure well depth
Answer: B
The walking beam converts rotary motion into vertical movement.
5. The drilling line is typically made of:
A. Nylon rope
B. Synthetic fiber
C. Steel wire rope
D. Copper cable
,Answer: C
Steel wire rope provides the strength and durability required for heavy
loads.
6. The purpose of the drill stem is to:
A. Cut the formation
B. Increase weight and driving force
C. Remove cuttings
D. Seal off formations
Answer: B
The drill stem adds mass to increase impact force.
7. The bailer is used to:
A. Drive casing
B. Remove cuttings from the borehole
C. Mix drilling additives
D. Measure static water level
Answer: B
The bailer lifts cuttings and water from the hole.
8. A flat-bottom bit is most suitable for drilling in:
A. Loose sand
B. Hard rock
C. Clay and shale
D. Gravel formations
, Answer: C
Flat bits work best in softer, cohesive formations.
9. A chisel bit is commonly used in:
A. Clay
B. Sand
C. Hard or fractured rock
D. Silt
Answer: C
Chisel bits are effective in hard and broken formations.
10. Spudding refers to:
A. Cleaning the well
B. Starting the borehole
C. Installing casing
D. Measuring yield
Answer: B
Spudding is the initial process of beginning a well.
11. Temporary surface casing is installed primarily to:
A. Increase yield
B. Prevent surface collapse and contamination
C. Improve drilling speed
D. Reduce noise
Exam (Exam A) Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. The primary purpose of cable tool drilling is to:
A. Rotate a bit continuously through formations
B. Drill by percussion using repeated lifting and dropping of tools
C. Use fluid pressure to erode formations
D. Melt rock using friction
Answer: B
Cable tool drilling relies on repeated impact from lifting and dropping
heavy tools to break formations.
2. The main component used to deliver impact in cable tool drilling is
the:
A. Rotary table
B. Drill pipe
C. Drill bit and drill stem
D. Mud motor
,Answer: C
The drill bit and drill stem provide the mass needed for effective
percussion.
3. The cable in cable tool drilling is primarily used to:
A. Circulate drilling fluid
B. Rotate the bit
C. Raise and drop the drilling tools
D. Seal the borehole
Answer: C
The cable supports and moves the tool string vertically.
4. A walking beam on a cable tool rig is used to:
A. Mix drilling fluid
B. Provide up-and-down motion to the tools
C. Support casing
D. Measure well depth
Answer: B
The walking beam converts rotary motion into vertical movement.
5. The drilling line is typically made of:
A. Nylon rope
B. Synthetic fiber
C. Steel wire rope
D. Copper cable
,Answer: C
Steel wire rope provides the strength and durability required for heavy
loads.
6. The purpose of the drill stem is to:
A. Cut the formation
B. Increase weight and driving force
C. Remove cuttings
D. Seal off formations
Answer: B
The drill stem adds mass to increase impact force.
7. The bailer is used to:
A. Drive casing
B. Remove cuttings from the borehole
C. Mix drilling additives
D. Measure static water level
Answer: B
The bailer lifts cuttings and water from the hole.
8. A flat-bottom bit is most suitable for drilling in:
A. Loose sand
B. Hard rock
C. Clay and shale
D. Gravel formations
, Answer: C
Flat bits work best in softer, cohesive formations.
9. A chisel bit is commonly used in:
A. Clay
B. Sand
C. Hard or fractured rock
D. Silt
Answer: C
Chisel bits are effective in hard and broken formations.
10. Spudding refers to:
A. Cleaning the well
B. Starting the borehole
C. Installing casing
D. Measuring yield
Answer: B
Spudding is the initial process of beginning a well.
11. Temporary surface casing is installed primarily to:
A. Increase yield
B. Prevent surface collapse and contamination
C. Improve drilling speed
D. Reduce noise
